What the weather is like in January
January is Tokyo's coldest month — daytime highs around 10°C, overnight lows near freezing, but rainfall is the year's lowest at 55mm. New Year (Jan 1-3) shuts most of the city; from Jan 4 onwards crowds are at their annual minimum. Hatsumode shrine visits early month. Winter illuminations at Roppongi Hills and Shibuya run through mid-January.
Against December, January runs 2°C cooler with much the same rainfall.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Shinjuku; other parts of Tokyo vary. Full sources below.
What to pack for Tokyo in January
- Warm layers and a proper coat
- A scarf for chilly mornings
What's on in January
- Winter Illuminations (Roppongi Hills · Tokyo Midtown · Marunouchi · Caretta Shiodome) — Tokyo runs the world's largest seasonal-illumination program — major districts each install multi-million-light displays from early November through mid-January.
Is January the right month?
Tokyo's best month is April; the toughest is August. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for June. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Tokyo.
Where to stay in January
January is shoulder season in Tokyo: good conditions, at lower prices than the peak.
- Shinjuku$$First-time visitors, transport access, nightlife
Tokyo's main rail hub — JR Yamanote, multiple subway lines, direct trains to Narita and Haneda. Walking distance to Shinjuku Gyoen (cherry blossoms), Kabukicho (nightlife), and Omoide Yokocho (yakitori alleys). Hotel density highest in the city.
See Shinjuku hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - Shibuya$$Younger travelers, retail, food + drink
Energy + retail center for under-35s. Shibuya Crossing, depachika food halls at Hikarie + Scramble Square, dense restaurant + bar scene. Slightly less subway connectivity than Shinjuku but still excellent.
See Shibuya hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - Ginza$$$Luxury travelers, central access, refined dining
Tokyo's flagship luxury district — flagship department stores (Mitsukoshi, Wako), Michelin restaurants, art galleries. Walking distance to Tsukiji outer market, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Station. Slower nightlife, refined feel.
See Ginza hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - Asakusa$Traditional atmosphere, budget hotels, day-trippers
Old-Tokyo (shitamachi) feel. Senso-ji temple, Nakamise shopping street, traditional ryokan. Cheaper than central Tokyo by 20-30%. Direct train to Narita Airport in 60 minutes. Best for budget-conscious first-timers prioritising atmosphere.
See Asakusa hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027 - Tokyo Bay (Odaiba / Toyosu)$$Families, views, modern resort feel
Reclaimed-island districts on Tokyo Bay. Toyosu fish market (replacement for Tsukiji), TeamLab Planets, Odaiba beach. Less central but quieter, more family-friendly, with bay views from many hotels.
See Tokyo Bay (Odaiba / Toyosu) hotels for 12–18 Jan 2027
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Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Tokyo?
How warm is Tokyo in January?
Does it rain in Tokyo in January?
What should I pack for Tokyo in January?
How does January compare with December in Tokyo?
Sources: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) — Tokyo · Japan Meteorological Agency — Tokyo Normals · U.S. State Department Japan Travel Advisory · Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau. Full provenance on the Tokyo guide.
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